Mercedes' Hamilton expects to stay in Formula 1 beyond 2018

The double world champion will be approaching 34 and have raced in F1 for 12 seasons by the time his latest deal - announcing by Mercedes in Monaco on Wednesday - expires. Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button are the oldest drivers in the current field at 35.

But Hamilton doubts he will feel like stopping after 2018.

"That's pretty young still," said Hamilton. "I definitely see me continuing past that."

The points leader's contract talks took a long time to finalise, having initially put been on hold last summer while he was in the thick of his title fight with team-mate Nico Rosberg, who secured a new deal in July last year.

Hamilton said as he always felt both parties wanted to continue together there was no pressure to speed things up.

"There was never any doubt honestly," he said.

"I was always led to believe the team wanted to continue with me.

"Naturally, with the success we have had and relationship we have it felt certain.

"I took my time, I didn't feel like I was being challenged elsewhere to find another drive."

Mercedes has dominated F1 since the start of the current hybrid engine rules in 2014.

Another major shake-up is in prospect for 2017, and Hamilton said Mercedes' ability to handle another rules reset played a part in his decision to commit through the changeover period.

"I would have been silly if I hadn't taken that into account," he said.

"Every time you go into a contract talk you have to think about the long run.

"When I joined the team, they were going through the planned changes to where we have got to now.

"I of course analysed where the team's plans are going forward so that was why it was quite an easy decision."